PS5 controller vs Xbox Series X controller: head to head

A new generation means a new wave of controllers, and this time around, the differences between the controllers on the PS5 and Xbox Series X are quite dramatic. Choosing the right controller for you may be the decision that swings you to one console over the other. To help you decide, we’re breaking down the DualSense and the new Xbox controller to see which has the edge.

PS5 or Xbox: which controller is the cheapest?

We’ll start with a simple one. While both PS5 and Xbox Series X consoles come with a controller, purchasing additional controllers will cost you money. A new PS5 Dualsense controller will set you back $ 69.99, while the new Xbox controller costs $ 59.99. This price difference will become clear as we dive into the features of the new controllers.

PS5 or Xbox: which controller is more comfortable?

It will really depend on your personal preferences. Right now the only person at Polygon who has used the two new controllers is, uh, me. Personally, I find the PS5’s DualSense more comfortable to hold for long periods of time, thanks to its longer handles and triggers that fit more naturally into my index fingers while at rest. The smaller grips on the new Xbox controller are an improvement over the old design, but I’m not sure about the new, more rigid triggers, which seem to require a lot more force than the older Xbox One triggers.

That said, other Polygon team members have reported hand cramps with the PS5 DualSense, so it depends heavily on hand size and comfort preferences. Hard to say, but if you made me choose, I would go with the PS5 DualSense.

PS5 or Xbox: which controller is better?

Another subjective, but hey, you came to see me. I have openly said that I despise the giant white and black tower of a PS5 console. And yet the DualSense controller design works for me. White and black, mixed with the subtle glow of the touchpad, seem slightly furitist without being overwhelmingly so. It also has some nifty details, like a tiny little pattern of the familiar “shape” buttons acting as the grip on the handles.

The aesthetics of the new Xbox controller are by no means bad. Like a console’s black cube, the new Xbox controller does a better job of disappearing into the background of your living space than the DualSense.

But unlike a lot of the other data points here, you can easily decide this one for yourself, thanks to our beautiful photographs.

PS5 or Xbox: which controller has more features?

It’s not even a competition. The PS5’s DualSense adds several major features that its predecessor did not have. The adaptive triggers, which adjust the trigger voltage based on what’s happening on the screen, are amazing. Just like the new haptics, which make the vibrations of the controller much more precise and varied. The DualSense also has a feedback touchpad, a gyroscope for motion controls, and a built-in speaker.

The new Xbox controller brings all the functionality of the Xbox One controller and adds a Share button and an improved D-pad. But most of the internals are pretty much the same as the Xbox One controller.

PS5 or Xbox: which controller has better battery life?

Yet another no-contest category, but this time it’s the new Xbox controller that takes it (with a few caveats). Dropping two AA batteries in it should give you between 30-40 hours of playing time. It will vary somewhat, but overall it’s pretty good value for your money. If you’d rather not blow the disposable batteries, Microsoft is making a Play and Charge kit for the new controller. We haven’t used it, but if it’s anything like the last one, it should give you 20-30 hours per charge (with decreasing charges over several years).

The PS5’s DualSense comes with a built-in battery (another reason for the higher price). We haven’t done any extensive battery testing, but initial teardowns have shown that the battery has around 50% more capacity than the DualShock 4’s battery. The DualShock 4 has been rated for around six hours per charge, which would put the DualSense in the nine hour range. But, due to all the new bells and whistles inside the controller, that battery life could be much less, depending on how much you use. A game like Astro Games Room, which constantly uses the most sophisticated DualSense features, is likely to drain your battery much faster, for example.

It should also be remembered that the batteries in the DualShock 4 controller tend to burn out after several years of use, thus providing much less time per charge. And, like the DualShock 4, the new DualSense’s rechargeable battery isn’t removable, so you might have to spend an extra $ 69.99 if yours dies prematurely. It wouldn’t be ideal.

PS5 or Xbox: which controller is the most versatile?

In the days of the Xbox 360 / PlayStation 3, having a Microsoft controller was a godsend as it meant you could use the Xbox controller on your PC and console. Sony’s controller, on the other hand, was much less user-friendly with other devices.

Times have changed since then, with Xbox and PlayStation controllers working well with all kinds of devices, from PCs to tablets to phones.

But, in terms of immediate ease of use, the new Xbox controller is the way to go on PC, simply because of its ubiquitous support. You won’t have to worry about messing around with drivers or other settings with an Xbox controller on PC. It should just work. Sony’s DualSense, on the other hand, will likely need unique drivers to function properly. Games that worked well with a DualShock 4 don’t seem to work with the DualSense at all, and may need to be patched (an issue for older games that may never see patches). These issues may subside over time, but it’s hard to say when or if the DualSense will simply “work” on PC and other platforms.

PS5 or Xbox: which is the best controller?

Oof, man, really puts me on the spot, huh? As you can see above, both controllers have advantages. For versatility and battery life, you really can’t beat the Xbox Controller. Meanwhile, the PS5 controller comes with modern features that will make playing some games much more engaging (provided things like haptics and adaptive triggers are supported by the game). Out of sheer daring and ambition, it feels like the PS5’s DualSense has the edge here, but if you’re looking for a cross-platform workhorse, go for the Xbox controller.

The Xbox Series X will release worldwide on November 10, followed by the PlayStation 5 on November 12. For this review, Polygon tested an Xbox Series X (and the new controller) supplied by Microsoft, and a PlayStation 5 (and DualSense controller) supplied by Sony. Vox Media has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence editorial content, although Vox Media may earn commissions for products purchased through affiliate links. You can find more information on Polygon’s ethics policy here.